Ecological and soil conditions of black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) stands in the area of the Russian Monastery at Mount Athos

Black pine (Pinus nigra) stands at the Russian Monastery on Mount Athos exhibit significantly higher concentrations of organic matter and nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na), in their forest floor compared to similar stands at higher altitudes in Northern Greece. This accumulation is attributed to the site's unique climate, low altitude, and possibly the species' provenance. The study analyzed soil samples from these stands, revealing distinct ecological differences that highlight the importance of environmental factors in nutrient dynamics within black pine ecosystems.

Papaioannou, A. G. (2015). Ecological and soil conditions of black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) stands in the area of the Russian Monastery at Mount Athos. Russian Journal of Ecology, 46(5), 438–443. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1067413615050161